"The logout button... disappeared."
Yin Zhi muttered the words under his breath, a mix of excitement and unease stirring in his chest as he stared at the screen. The message was clear: there was no way out. He was trapped in 'Ancient Kingdoms', a world far more real and immersive than he had ever imagined.
There was no returning to his former life. His heart raced with the weight of it, both fearful and eager for the challenge ahead.
Yin Zhi had come from nothing. An orphan, living off the meager support of a government dormitory, he had little hope for his future—until the trailer for 'Ancient Kingdoms' was released. The world's governments promised a chance to change lives with their ultra-realistic VR game, where players could inherit city-states and build empires.
It had been Yin Zhi's last chance, and he had seized it. He spent his time studying history, governance, and military strategy. He researched every aspect of kingdom management, knowing that the stakes were higher than any game he'd played before. He saved up for the necessary VR equipment, and just in time for the game's release, he entered the world, ready to begin his new life.
The game was vast—ten times the size of Earth. Players would inherit a city-state at random and either manage it or expand their territory.
But it wasn't just about the players. NPCs, with their own ambitions and powers, could build their own nations and challenge the players.
The limitations were strict, flintlock weapons were the height of technology, and players could only purchase blueprints from NPCs to innovate.
Now, as he reviewed the reports on his inherited city-state, a frown slowly crept onto his face.
His father, the previous Lord of the city, had been weak and indecisive. Corruption ran rampant. The officials embezzled funds, and the military officers used their power to oppress the people. Disease plagued the streets, which were left filthy and neglected.
The city-state was on the brink of collapse, and his father had done nothing to prevent it. He had been content to let things slide, hoping his son would take over and continue the same futile reign.
Yin Zhi was different. He would not stand by and let the city-state fall further into ruin. He would rebuild it. But where to begin? The situation was dire.
His city-state had only 400 soldiers—barely enough to defend the 1,500-square-kilometer island. The economy was shattered, with almost no trade and widespread poverty. The streets were filled with beggars, and officials lined their pockets while the people starved.
Yin Zhi exhaled sharply. "I have a lot to fix," he murmured, rubbing his temples. The reports had drained him, but he couldn't afford to rest yet. There was too much work to do.
Then, his eyes caught a small, almost hidden note buried deep within the reports. It was a single line, written in plain script, but it struck him like a bolt of lightning. His father had secretly assembled an elite force—a team of fifty soldiers, trained in both land and naval warfare. They were stationed at the estate, tasked with maintaining order in secret, disguised as the Lord's personal staff. Yin Zhi's heart skipped a beat.
His father had planned for something. Despite his failures, he had recognized the need for security, for strength. Yin Zhi's lips curved into a slight smile. This was a resource he could use. Fifty soldiers, hidden under the guise of butlers and maids, trained in warfare. This elite force was the key to his success. If he played his cards right, they could help him seize control.
With a new sense of determination, Yin Zhi stood up. It was time to act.
Later that night, he gathered the elite force. The library was dimly lit by candles, casting long shadows over the faces of the six individuals who entered. Four men and two women, all of them veterans of countless battles, now kneeling before him.
"Greetings, Lord!" they said in unison.
Yin Zhi nodded, acknowledging their presence. There was no time for pleasantries. The captain, a sharp-eyed man with a stoic expression, rose to his feet.
"What did you call us here for, my Lord?" he asked, his voice firm and expectant.
Yin Zhi met his gaze, a quiet confidence radiating from him. "What if I want you to protect me while I meet with all the officials?"
The room went still. The squad leaders exchanged quick glances, their eyes lighting up with excitement. They knew what this meant. It was time for action. Time to take control.
In perfect unison, all six of them dropped to their knees, their voices filled with unwavering resolve. "We'll be under your command, Lord!"
Yin Zhi smiled, pleased by their enthusiasm, but he quickly waved them to rise. "Alright, we have all the time in the world. Let's plan."
They stood and moved to the large table in front of him. Yin Zhi had prepared a stack of papers, each one containing names—corrupt officials and their crimes. His plan was simple: a public meeting where the officials' corruption would be exposed for all to see. He needed the people to know who was responsible for the city-state's decay.
But Yin Zhi knew he couldn't execute them all—too many of them held important positions that would be hard to replace. Instead, he would make them feel the consequences of their actions. The officials needed to understand that the new Lord was not like his father. They needed to feel a blade at their necks.
Money was the next priority. Rebuilding the city-state, addressing the poverty, and restoring order would require vast resources. Yin Zhi's first task would be securing those funds.
He outlined his plans to the elite force. None of them objected. They had been part of this force for years, serving in silence, but now they had a chance to make a real difference.
Once he finished speaking, Yin Zhi gave a final command. "That's all for now. Disperse. We begin tomorrow."
The squad leaders and the captain bowed and left, each one determined to carry out their mission. Yin Zhi stayed behind, sitting at the table, his mind racing. Tomorrow would be the beginning of something new.
As the moonlight streamed through the windows, Yin Zhi lay down to sleep, his heart pounding with anticipation. Tomorrow, everything would change.